The following collection of photos were taken during my visit to Ottawa, Canada for Du Worlds. Ottawa is perched on the south bank of the Ottawa River on the northern edge of Ontario. Its sister city, Gatineau, lies across the river in the province of Quebec. Together they form a sprawling metropolitan area with a population of just over 1.2 million.
Under the rule of Europeans the area served as a trade center. In 1826 the area picked up the moniker of "Bytown" when Colonel John By orchestrated the military's construction of a secure trade route by carving the Rideau Canal from the Ottawa River to Kingston on Lake Ontario. In 1855 the city of Ottawa was formed. Then, a mere two years later, Queen Victoria chose Ottawa as the capital city of the Province of Canada.
A century and a half later more than one hundred thousand people are employed within the city at its many government facilities. The other major employer in Ottawa is the tech industry. One longtime resident told me that he knew several people who have worked in firms within "Silicon Valley North."
Several locals, including two transplant cab drivers who have garnered Canadian citizenship, told me that they came to Ottawa because it is a great place to raise children. Indeed, Ottawa has long been ranked as the best Canadian city to live in, which stems from it being recognized as the most educated city in Canada, one of the cleanest cities in the world, and as one of the cities having the world's highest quality of living. I sensed that these statistics were spot on as I spoke to residents, despite the fact that a regular topic of discussion was the -20C winter temps.
What follows are some of the photos I took throughout my short stay in Ottawa.
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| West Block of Parliament Hill built 1856-1865, with towers added in 1878 and 1906 - currently refurbishing |
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| East Block of Parliament Hill was built 1856-1866. |
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| Peace Tower Parliament Hill |
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| Sculpture base of Peace Tower |
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| View from beneath Peace Tower to west |
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| Many ornate sculptures of historic figures adorn Parliament Hill |
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| Looking out from Parliament Hill |
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| A view of Gatineau, Quebec from Parliament Hill across the Ottawa River |
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| The Library of Parliament is the only section of the original Center Block not destroyed by fire in 1916 |
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| The Victoria Tower Bell was recovered from the Victoria Tower ruins after the 1916 Center Block fire |
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| Looking toward Chaudiere Falls on the Ottawa River |
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| Sparks Street Sculpture |
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| Victorian High Gothic gates surround Parliament Hill |
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| Changing of the guard at Parliament Hill is a major tourist attraction |
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| Rideau Canal at sunset |
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| Parliament Hill is a gated community |
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| La Cathedrale, Ottawa |
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| ITU Duathlon World Championship Parade of Nations on Sparks Street |
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| Boats passing through the Rideau Canal |
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| Cannons fired on Parliament Hill!! |
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| Giant spider attacks Peace Tower after cannons emptied! |
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| Did you know of this guy? |
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| If not, then pick your language and read about Mr. Terry Fox |
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| Most construction is completed during the short summer to avoid sub-zero temperatures |
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| Came across this scene while riding along the 30K long Ottawa River Pathway |
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| Greg and I met these kilt clad ladies during our post-race meal at the famous Mill St. Brewery |
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| The 30-minute sound and light show on the Center Block is amazing |
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| More of this creative way to tell a history lesson |
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| Loved this scene where books from famous Canadian authors were stacked |
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| Looking over Parliament toward the ByWard Market in Lower Town from atop the Marriott |
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| I'm out of here . . . ST |
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